Trip Report Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
August 11 – 17th, 2020
Trip Sponsors: Julie Sinclair/ Jim Sprandel
Report filed by Julie Sinclair
Adventure Team: Nate Strong, Kevin Dogan, Suzy McCain, Karen Kyle, Julie Sinclair, Duane Garloch, Jim Sprandel, Dave Ellis, Mariann Davis, Theresa Kulczak, Martha Gitt, Linda Decker and Jim Heichelbach
Trip Overview: The HCKC Sea Kayak fleet traveled to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to the beautiful Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Munising. There are 42 miles of Lake Superior shoreline, 15 miles of towering sandstone cliffs, pristine beaches, waterfalls, lighthouses, lakes, streams and forest trails. Weather conditions were excellent during our stay. We camped at Bay Furnace Campground, which is part of the Hiawatha National Forest.
Trip Highlights:
Day 1 – (Map) We launched from Miners Beach and paddled to Chapel Beach and back. Highlights of the day included viewing the mineral stained sandstone cliffs along the shoreline and viewing the famous Chapel Rock. Oh yeah, we missed the cliff collapse that occurred here the day after we paddled by.
Day 2 – (Map) We launched from Sand Point Beach to Murray Bay. Highlights included paddling to the East Channel Lighthouse and around to Murray Bay. Highlights included paddling over the shipwreck of the Bermuda, a 150-foot wooden schooner.
Day 3 – (Map) We launched from Presque Isle Park in Marquette and explored the shoreline of Middle Bay. Highlights include the black rocks, various coves and sea caves.
Day 4 – (Map) We launched from Bay Furnace Campground and paddled to the West side of Grand Island. Mariann built her famous rock and driftwood man on the beach.
Day 5 – (Map) We launched from Little Beaver Lake to Spray Falls. Highlights included tranquil lake paddling and some creek stomping down to Lake Superior. Some were brave to paddle into the larger water falls. Martha Gitt got some great photos of the group from high above.
Day 6 - Launched from Au Train Bay Roadside Park to Au Train Point. Highlights of this trip was the split in the group with some paddling is small sea caves (Map) and others traveling up the Au Train river.
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